Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
In psychology, deception refers to the act of misleading or lying to participants about the true purpose or nature of a study.
Related terms
Covert Observation: This is when research participants are unaware that they're being observed for a study. It's another form of deception used in psychological research.
Demand Characteristics: These are cues that inform participants about what is expected from them which can influence their behavior during an experiment. Deception can help minimize these characteristics.
This is an ethical requirement where participants must be fully informed about the procedures and risks involved in research before participating. However, in cases involving deception, full information cannot be provided upfront.